“Everyone knows that life is finite, but I was given a very serious warning”
Sandra with her son Joost (1) during Alpe d’HuZes 2023
Sandra is more than 20 weeks pregnant when she discovers a lump in her right breast. It turns out to be an aggressive form of cancer. She is now clean. To end this nasty period, she climbs the Alpe d’Huez with her mother and 1-year-old son Joost.
You were pregnant when you found out you had cancer. What happened then?
“After the diagnosis my world was turned upside down! We had a lot of sadness and felt impotence and fear. For myself and our unborn baby. I will never forget the first time with the gynecologist, who said that the pregnancy and the baby were no longer important. I was priority.”
How did your pregnancy progress?
“Before the chemotherapy I was given a medicine that made me drowsy and sleepy. The chemo itself did not cross the placenta, but the medication did. The baby could also fall into a deep sleep. If I didn’t feel anything for too long, I had to call for extra check-ups. Fortunately, Joost moved quite a bit in my stomach. All that trampling sometimes hurt, but I was so happy with it.”
What are the physical consequences of the cancer?
“My breasts are gone, there is a scar from left to right, and there are also large scars in my armpits. The piece of skin there is significantly colder and it actually feels like a cold breeze is constantly blowing over my skin. That doesn’t get any better. After the diagnosis, it was discovered that I have the BRCA-1 gene – and therefore an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The advice is to have them removed preventively, and I want to have that done. As a result, I enter the transition early and I have to take medication against osteoporosis. The consequences of cancer will be visible and tangible for the rest of my life.”
Why did you climb Alpe d’Huez with your mother and son?
“During the first six rounds of chemotherapy I was still pregnant and I carried Joost in my stomach. The fact that I now carry it on my back is a symbolic conclusion. My mother is joining me because it is also the end of a very nasty period for her. She and my father played an important role in the process. For example, they took care of Joost when I had surgery and my husband was with me in the hospital.”
How did you experience Alpe d’Huez?
“As beautiful and emotional. I have spoken to many people and heard a lot of special stories about people who are no longer there, including children. I will definitely participate again, only then not with Joost in the backpack.”
What role does cancer play in your life now?
“Since I was discharged from oncological physiotherapy, the cancer is no longer actively present. Although that felt like a victory, the cancer will be with me for the rest of my life. Everyone knows that life is finite, but I did get a very serious warning.”
How do you view the future?
“Actually quite positive! With the operation, at the beginning of 2022, I turned out clean. The doctors had not expected that either, because I had a very aggressive form of cancer. The first five years are the most exciting and I find myself nervous every time I check up. But I hold on to the fact that the chemo has done its job so well and I try to enjoy every day.”
Do you have any tips for other parents?
“It takes a village to raise a child. You don’t always have to do everything yourself or alone. Accept help if someone offers it or offer help yourself when you see someone having a hard time. Then beautiful things can happen.”
